Indexing filter apparatus and method of use

ABSTRACT

A filter holder is disclosed comprising a base for supporting the filter holder on a work surface and a holder arm attacked to the base. The holder arm comprises a base end and an indexing axis passing through the base end. A rotor is rotatably connected to the base end and comprises a plurality of filter cradles each arranged generally parallel to the indexing axis and affixed to the rotor such that, when the holder arm is in the indexing position, the rotor is rotatable about the indexing axis to move a selected filter cradle into a loading position.

BACKGROUND

Stacked, disk-type lenticular filters have been used in processing offluids for commercial applications. In a typical filtration systememploying such filters, the filters are assembled for operation inside asanitary housing that is sealable from an ambient environment. Thesanitary housing is typically a generally cylindrical pressure vesselthat has structure for fluid ingress and egress.

Under normal operation, pressurized fluid to be filtered enters thesanitary housing through the fluid ingress and fills the areasurrounding the disk-type lenticular filters. The fluid is then filteredthrough the filter elements, after which the filtered fluid enters thestacked inner core. The stacked inner core is fluidly connected to afluid egress, which can route the filtered fluid (filtrate) todownstream plumbing.

Such systems are often quite tall and time consuming to assemble. Insome cases, overhead lifts must be used to remove heavy parts from thestack between uses. Furthermore, such systems typically comprise severalheavy and expensive metallic parts that must be cleaned and sanitizedbetween uses. The sanitary housing, along with any other non-disposablewetted parts, must be carefully cleaned before each use. If the sanitaryhousing or other wetted parts are not properly cleaned, subsequentbatches of fluid may be cross-contaminated. The sanitizing steps can addsignificant delay to processes. Often, significant quantities ofsanitizing agent must be used to sanitize such parts. Consumption anddisposal of such sanitizing agents can create undesirable environmentalimpact. Furthermore, such systems often require a skilled and trainedoperator for proper compression.

There is a continuing need for filtration systems that are lighter andare easier to assemble. There is also a need for filtration systemsemploying materials that, when disposed of, are less expensive and moreenvironmentally friendly. There is also a need to eliminate cross-batchcontamination between runs. There is also a need for filtration systemsthat require less cleaning and down-time between uses. There is also aneed for filtration systems that are less reliant upon operator skill inachieving satisfactory results. There is also a need for filtrationsystems that consume less floor space in operation. There is also a needfor filtration systems that have increased filtration capacity relativeto the amount of floor space consumed in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to filtration systemscomprising disposable filter capsules. The present disclosure furtherrelates to a filter holder to hold and operate such disposable filtercapsules. Such systems can eliminate the need for a separate sanitaryhousing, therefore eliminating cross-batch contamination. Such systemscan reduce or eliminate the need for sanitization between uses. Suchsystems can allow for easier loading and unloading of filter capsulesfrom a filter holder. Such systems can further allow easier loading offilter capsules, while also providing a smaller footprint while thefilter holder is in operation. Such systems can also provide increasedfiltration capacity relative to the amount of floor space consumed inoperation. Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosureinclude, but are not limited to, the embodiments listed below, which mayor may not be numbered for convenience.

Embodiment 1: A filter holder comprising:

-   -   a base for supporting the filter holder on a work surface;    -   a holder arm attached to the base, the holder arm comprising:        -   a base end; and        -   an indexing axis passing through the base end;    -   a rotor rotatably connected to the base end and comprising a        plurality of filter cradles each arranged generally parallel to        the indexing axis and affixed to the rotor such that, when the        holder arm is in the indexing position, the rotor is rotatable        about the indexing axis to move a selected filter cradle into a        loading position.

Embodiment 2. The filter holder of Embodiment 1 wherein the plurality offilter cradles are arranged in a generally circular pattern about theindexing axis.

Embodiment 3. The filter holder of Embodiment 2 wherein the plurality offilter cradles comprises one of two, three, four, five, or six filtercradles spaced equidistantly about the indexing axis.

Embodiment 4. The filter holder of any of Embodiments 1-3 wherein theloading position is an ergonomic loading position.

Embodiment 5. The filter holder of Embodiment 4 wherein the holder armis attached to the base by a tilting mechanism at a tilt axis, theholder arm being tiltable about the tilt axis to a service position andan indexing position.

Embodiment 6. The filter holder of Embodiment 5 wherein the tilt axis isorthogonal to the indexing axis.

Embodiment 7. The filter holder of Embodiment 5 wherein the rotor isalso rotatable about the indexing axis when the holder arm is in theservice position.

Embodiment 8. The filter holder of any of Embodiments 1-7 wherein atleast one of the plurality of filter cradles comprises:

-   -   a compression plate proximate the base end; and    -   a holding plate opposite the compression plate.

Embodiment 9. The filter holder of Embodiment 8 wherein the compressionplate is continuously adjustable by a filter compression adjustment.

Embodiment 10. The filter holder of Embodiment 9 wherein the filtercompression adjustment comprises a torque limiter having a torque limitless than about 12 N·m.

Embodiment 11. The filter holder of Embodiment 8 wherein at least one ofthe plurality of filter cradles comprises a front support bar and a rearsupport bar, the holding plate being slidably connected to the frontsupport bar and the rear support bar.

Embodiment 12. The filter holder of Embodiment 11 wherein thecompression plate is slidably connected to the front support bar and therear support bar.

Embodiment 13. The filter holder of Embodiment 12 wherein the frontsupport bar and the rear support bar each comprise a plurality of platepositioning grooves.

Embodiment 14. The filter holder of Embodiment 11 wherein the loadingposition is an ergonomic loading position and the holder arm is attachedto the base by a tilting mechanism at a tilt axis, the holder arm beingtiltable about the tilt axis to a service position and an indexingposition;

-   -   wherein, when a filter cradle is in the ergonomic loading        position, the front support bar of such filter cradle is        positioned below the tilt axis, and the rear support bar for        such filter cradle is positioned at or above the tilt axis.

Embodiment 15. The filter holder of Embodiment 5 wherein when the holderarm is in the service position, the plurality of filter cradles areoriented orthogonal to the work surface, and when the holder arm is inthe indexing position, the plurality of filter cradles are orientedparallel to the work surface.

Embodiment 16. The filter holder of Embodiment 4 wherein a filter cradlethat is in the in the ergonomic loading position is located a firstdistance from the work surface, the first distance being in a range fromabout 28 inches to about 40 inches.

Embodiment 17. The filter holder of any of Embodiments 1-16 wherein theholder arm further comprises a distal end opposite the base end;

-   -   wherein the indexing axis passes through the base end and the        distal end and the rotor is positioned between the base end and        the distal end and rotatably connected to both the base end and        the distal end.

Embodiment 18. A filter system comprising the filter holder of any ofEmbodiments 1-17 and a filter capsule stack loaded onto at least one ofthe plurality of filter cradles.

Embodiment 19. A method of operating a filter holder comprising:

-   -   tilting a holder arm to an indexing position position, the        holder arm comprising a rotor rotatable about an indexing axis;    -   rotating the rotor about the indexing axis to move one of a        plurality of filter cradles affixed to the rotor into an        ergonomic loading position;    -   loading a filter capsule stack onto the filter cradle that has        been moved into the ergonomic loading position; and    -   tilting the holder arm about a tilt axis to a service position.

Embodiment 20. The method of Embodiment 19 wherein, when in the serviceposition, the holder arm is in a vertical orientation, and when in theindexing position, the holder arm is in a horizontal orientation.

Embodiment 21. The method of Embodiment 20 wherein loading the filtercapsule stack onto the filter cradle comprises compressing the filtercapsule stack between a compression plate and a holding plate.

Embodiment 22. The method of Embodiment 21 further comprising lockingthe holding plate to prevent it from sliding.

Embodiment 23. The method of Embodiment 22 further comprising adjustingthe compression of the filter capsule stack between the compressionplate and the holding plate.

Embodiment 24. The method of Embodiment 23 wherein the compression ofthe filter capsule stack is adjusted by a filter compression adjustmentcomprising a torque limiter, wherein the torque limit is less than about12 N·m.

Embodiment 25. The method of Embodiment 19 further comprising:

-   -   tilting the holder arm from the service position back to the        indexing position; and    -   unloading the filter capsule stack from the filter cradle.

Embodiment 26. The method of Embodiment 25 wherein unloading the filtercapsule stack from the filter cradle comprises rotating a filter capsuleover a front support bar.

Embodiment 27. The method of Embodiment 26 wherein rotating the filtercapsule over a front support bar comprises:

-   -   engaging a fulcrum lug on the filter capsule against the front        support bar; and    -   rotating the filter capsule about the fulcrum lug to roll the        filter capsule over the front support bar.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from thedetailed description below. In no event, however, should the abovesummaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter,which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may beamended during prosecution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the specification, reference is made to the appendeddrawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements, andwherein:

FIG. 1A is a right side view of a filter holder according to the presentdisclosure with a holder arm in an indexing position;

FIG. 1B is a front view of a filter holder according to the presentdisclosure with a holder arm in an indexing position;

FIG. 1C is a right side view of a filter holder according to the presentdisclosre with a holder arm in a service position;

FIG. 1D is a front view of a filter holder according to the presentdisclosure with a holder arm in a service position;

FIG. 2A is a right side view of a filter holder according to the presentdisclosure with a holder arm in an indexing position;

FIG. 2B is a front view of a filter holder according to the presentdisclosure with a holder arm in an indexing position;

FIG. 2C is a right side view of a filter holder according to the presentdisclosure with a holder arm in a service position;

FIG. 2D is a front view of a filter holder according to the presentdisclosure with a holder arm in a service position;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a filter holder according tothe present disclosure with a holder arm in an indexing position;

FIGS. 3C and 3D are perspective views of a filter holder according tothe present disclosure with a holder arm in a service position;

FIGS. 3E and 3F are perspective views of a filter holder according tothe present disclosure with a holder arm in an indexing position andfilter cradles loaded with filter capsule stacks;

FIGS. 3G and 3H are perspective views of a filter holder according tothe present disclosure with a holder arm in a service position andfilter cradles loaded with filter capsule stacks;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary rotor according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a filter holder according to thepresent disclosure with a holder arm in an indexing position withoutfilter capsules and an operator preparing to load the filter cradleswith filter capsule stacks;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a filter holder according to thepresent disclosure with a holder arm in an indexing position with filtercapsule stacks loaded and an operator preparing to tilt the holder arminto the service position;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a filter holder according to thepresent disclosure with a holder arm in a service position with filtercapsule stacks loaded and an operator preparing to begin a filtrationoperation;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a filter capsule according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a filter capsule according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a filter capsule stack according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a filter capsule stack according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view taken at 10-10 of FIG. 8 of a filtercapsule stack according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a simple machine having an arm in ahorizontal position;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a simple machine having an arm in anintermediate position between horizontal and vertical; and

FIG. 13 is a front view of a simple machine having an arm in a verticalposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-3H depict exemplary filter holders 100 according to the presentdisclosure. As shown filter holder 100 comprises a base 104 thatsupports filter holder 100 on a work surface W. In the embodiment shown,the filter holder 100 comprises a tilting mechanism 110 comprising atilt axis 112. A holder arm 120 is attached to the tilting mechanism 110at the tilt axis 112 such that the holder arm 120 is tiltable to aservice position and an indexing position. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A,2B, 3A, 3B, 3E, 3F, 5A, and 5B, the holder arm 120 is in the indexingposition. FIGS. 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D, 3C, 3D, 3G, 3H, and 5C, for example,depict the holder arm 120 in the service position. In embodimentsdisclosed herein (e.g., FIGS. 1A-1D), the holder arm 120 may comprises abase end 122 and an indexing axis 151 passing through the base end 122.In such embodiments, a rotor 150 is positioned proximate the base end122. In other embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2D), theholder arm 120 may comprise a base end 122, a distal end 124 (FIG. 3A),and an indexing axis 151 passing through the base end 122 and the distalend 124, with rotor 150 is positioned between the base end 122 and thedistal end 124. In either case, a plurality of filter cradles 152 areaffixed to the rotor 150 such that, when the holder arm 120 is in theindexing position, the rotor 150 is rotatable about the indexing axis151 to move a selected filter cradle 152 into an ergonomic loadingposition.

As used herein, “service position” means the position of the holder arm120 corresponding to actual operation of the filter holder 100 as afiltration system. When in the service position, the holder arm 120 isgenerally vertically oriented. However, the service position includesangular deviation from a vertical orientation, for example, in a rangefrom about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees from horizontal or, moretypically, from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees from horizontal. Insome embodiments, the holder arm 120 is oriented orthogonal to the worksurface W when in the service position.

As used herein, “indexing position” means the position of the holder arm120 corresponding to loading or unloading of filter capsules 200 ontoand from the holder arm 120. When in the indexing position, the holderarm 120 is generally horizontally oriented. However, the indexingposition includes angular deviation from horizontal, for example, in arange from about −15 degrees to about +15 degrees from horizontal or,more typically, from about −5 degrees to about +5 degrees fromhorizontal. The indexing position is distinct from the service position.Moreover, the indexing position is only applicable to embodiments wherethe holder arm 120 is tiltable to a service position and an indexingposition. In one embodiment, the holder arm 120 is oriented parallel tothe work surface W when in the indexing position.

As used herein, “ergonomic loading position” means the position of afilter cradle 152 corresponding to loading or unloading of filtercapsules 200 onto and from the filter cradle 152—i.e. when the holderarm 120 is in the indexing position. However, it should be understoodthat, although the holder arm 120 may be in the indexing position, agiven filter cradle 152 is not necessarily in the ergonomic loadingposition. Thus, in order for the ergonomic loading position to bereached, the holder arm 120 must first be tilted into the indexingposition, followed by a filter cradle 152 being moved into the ergonomicloading position. In some embodiments, more than one filter cradle 152may simultaneously be in the ergonomic loading position. However,typically only one filter cradle 152 may be in the ergonomic loadingposition at one time. When in the ergonomic loading position, the filtercradle 152 is generally horizontally oriented. However, the ergonomicloading position includes angular deviation from horizontal, forexample, in a range from about −15 degrees to about +15 degrees fromhorizontal or, more typically, from about −5 degrees to about +5 degreesfrom horizontal. The ergonomic loading position is distinct from theservice position or the indexing position. In one embodiment, theplurality of filter cradles 152 is oriented parallel to the work surfaceW when a filter cradle 152 is in the ergonomic loading position.

Filter holders 100 according to the present disclosure may be used, forexample, in place of, or in conjunction with, filter holders asdescribed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Pub. No. ( - - - TBD - - - ) toBryan et. al. (corresponding to U.S. App. Ser. No. 61/256,643 and PCTPub. No. WO 2011/053623 A2) the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. It is envisioned that filtercapsules according to Bryan et al. may be compatible with embodiments offilter holders 100 described herein such that a filter capsule stack ofBryan et al. may be loaded into a filter cradle 152.

Filter holders 100 according to the present disclosure may be providedwith a holder arm 120 that is either (i) tiltable to a service positionand an indexing position; (ii) fixed in the service position; or (iii)fixed in the indexing position. All three configurations can presentadvantages over known filter holders.

For example, operation of a filter holder 100 with a holder arm 120 inthe service position allow for easier and more efficient venting ofexcess gas from a filter capsule stack 250 when a filter capsule stack250 is being charged with a fluid before a filtering operation. Ventingis easier because excess gas can escape upward through existing fluidconnection ports positioned at the top of the filter capsule stack 250.Filter capsules 200 can be discarded after each use, thereby saving onprocess time and reducing or eliminating the cost of sanitizing agents.Moreover, filter capsules 200 may be connected directly to one anotherin a filter capsule stack 250 without the need for bulky coupling platesin between capsules. Thus, the entire filter capsule stack 250 may beassembled more easily, with directly interfacing filter capsules 200that may be discarded without the need to clean or handle couplingplates. Moreover, because the service position is typically asubstantially vertical orientation, the filter holder 100 can take upmuch less floor space than a unit that is fixed in a horizontalorientation. In other words, the filter holder 100 can have asubstantially reduced footprint when in the service position. Moreover,when provided with a rotor 150 and a plurality of filter cradles 152 asdescribed herein, filtration capacity can be increased in a singlefilter holder 100 while minimizing the overall increase in footprint.

However, filter capsules 200 can still be cumbersome to load and unloadwhile the holder arm 120 is in a service position. This difficulty canbe amplified during unloading steps because the used filter capsules 200often contain residual fluid that can make them much heavier.

For example, where disposable filter capsules 200 must be loaded andunloaded in a vertical stack, operators may need to bend down to handlethe lowest filter capsules 200 in the stack, and may need to climb aladder or stool in order to handle the highest filter capsules 200 inthe stack. Moreover, to manipulate the highest filter capsules 200 inthe stack, it may be necessary for operators to reach high over theirheads for loading or unloading, and then move the filter capsules 200 ina lateral motion to move them away from the stack. Such motions canplace undue strain on the operator, particularly for operators who areless able to handle heavier loads. Moreover, a filter compressionadjustment 134 on such a fixed vertical unit may be located at thedistal end 124 of the holder arm 120. This location may be above thereach of the operator. As such, the operator may need to climb a ladderor stool to adjust the filter compression adjustment 134.

In addition to the above concerns, unloading filter capsules 200 from avertical stack can result in leaking of residual fluid through ports inthe bottom of each stacked filter capsule 200, as depicted in FIG. 7.

Fixed horizontal designs, where disposable filter housings may be loadedand unloaded horizontally onto a fixed horizontal rack, are alsopossible. However, such designs tend to consume a relatively largeamount of floor space compared with systems that operate vertically. Oneway to mitigate the larger floor space requirement is to configure thedesign to hold multiple fixed horizontal rows of disposable filterhousings, one above the other. However, doing so results in at leastsome of these fixed horizontal rows being located either too high or toolow for easy loading and unloading by an operator. Thus, the operatormay still need to bend down to load and unload the lowest rows, and mayneed to climb a ladder or stool for the highest rows. Designs accordingto the present disclosure, even if provided with a holder arm 120 fixedin the indexing position (i.e., not tillable to a service position) canreduce or resolve such problems by providing an indexing rotor 150 thatcan move each respective filter cradle 152 into an ergonomic loadingposition.

However, depending on the plumbing and filter capsule design, a fixedhorizontal design may also be more difficult to purge or vent of excessgas while charging the system with a fluid. Because gravity causes fluidto pool at the bottom of the filter housings, any excess gas willcollect at the top of the horizontally oriented filter housings. Thismeans that separate venting plumbing must be provided along the “top” ofthe filter housings, in addition to the typical fluid ingress and egressprovided within the heart of the housings. Such more complicatedplumbing can mean, for example, more plumbing connections to be made andmore potential locations where seals could fail.

Thus, operation of a filter holder 100 with a holder arm 120 in theservice position may be advantageous to operation in a fixed horizontalposition.

On the other hand, filter holders 100 comprising holder arms 120 thatare tillable to a service position and an indexing position enjoy all ofthe benefits described above with regard to those fixed in a serviceposition, in addition to further benefits. For example, as shown in FIG.5A, filter capsules 200 can be loaded and unloaded from the holder arm120 much more easily because the filter capsules on a filter cradle 152that is in the ergonomic loading position are all presented to anoperator at an ergonomic height where no bending over or climbing mustbe done. Tilting the holder arm 120 is easily accomplished by a tiltingmechanism 110 that is ergonomically placed for the convenience of theoperator, or in some instances controlled by a motor either by onboardcontrols or a remotely located controller as depicted in FIGS. 5B and5C. Moreover, all routine steps of locking or unlocking the filtercapsule stack 250 into place on the holder arm 120, disposing of usedfilter capsules 200, adjusting compression of the filter capsule stack250, making or breaking plumbing connections, etc., are available to theoperator at a comfortable, ergonomic height.

In one embodiment, the plurality of filter cradles 152 are positioned ina circular pattern about the indexing axis 151. Each filter cradle 152comprises a cradle longitudinal axis 121 that, in some embodiments, isoriented parallel to the indexing axis 151. The cradle longitudinal axis121 for each filter cradle 152 will correspond to the axis of the filtercapsule stack 250 (or other type of filter) that may be placed in eachfilter cradle 152. As used herein, “circular pattern” means that eachcradle longitudinal axis 121 is positioned within a ten percent (10%)tolerance of a given radius from the indexing axis 151. For example, ifthe plurality of filter cradles 152 are positioned in a circular patternhaving a radius of 0.5 meters from the indexing axis 151, each cradlelongitudinal axis 121 will be located in a range from 0.45 meters to0.55 meters from the indexing axis 151. The plurality of filter cradles152 may be positioned in a manner other than a circular pattern.

In some embodiments where the plurality of filter cradles 152 ispositioned in a circular pattern about the indexing axis 151, theplurality of filter cradles 152 are also equally spaced about thecircumference of the circle formed by the circular pattern. As usedherein, “equally spaced about the circumference” means that each filtercradle 152 is angularly spaced from each adjacent filter cradle 152within a ten percent (10%) tolerance of the angle calculated by dividing360 degrees by the total number of filter cradles 152. For example, ifthere are a total of four filter cradles 152 equally spaced about thecircumference, then each filter cradle 152 is angularly spaced in arange from 81 degrees to 99 degrees from each adjacent filter cradle152. The plurality of filter cartridges need not be equally spaced aboutthe circumference of the circle formed by the circular pattern.

As the rotor 150 rotates about the indexing axis 151, the plurality offilter cradles 152 revolves about the indexing axis 151. Rotation of therotor 150 is driven by a rotor drive 154, which may be manual, such as ahand crank, or may be a motor. In either case, the rotor drive 154 maybe provided with a gear box or other device to gain mechanical advantagedue to the size and mass of the rotor 150. The rotor drive 154 may beprovided on either or both the base end 122 or the distal end 124 (wherepresent) of the holder arm 120. Rather precise control of angularposition of the rotor 150 may be desirable to ensure, for example, thata given filter cradle 152 can be accurately positioned into an ergonomicloading position. In such cases, a servo control, an encoder, or otherpositioning device may be further employed as part of (or in conjunctionwith) the rotor drive 154.

In one embodiment, the filter cradles 152 and the rotor 150 are providedwith plumbing such that filter capsule stacks 250 loaded onto the filterholder 100 can be plumbed together as desired. Where it is desired togain filtering capacity (e.g., rather than to increase the degree orlevel of filtration), such plumbing permits the filter capsule stacks250 to be plumbed in parallel. For example, in a filter holder 100having a total of four filter cradles 152, all four filter cradles 152may be plumbed together in parallel to quadruple the filtration capacityavailable in a single filter capsule stack 250. Alternatively, when itis desired to increase the degree of filtration, the filter capsulestacks 250 can be plumbed in series with finer filters used as the fluidprogresses through the various filter capsule stacks. Multiple filterholders 100 according to the present disclosure may also be plumbedtogether if desired.

FIGS. 1A-1D and 3A-3H depict an exemplary filter holder 100 in variousperspective views. In the embodiment shown, the filter holder 100comprises a rotor 150 having three filter cradles 152 disposed in acircular pattern and equally spaced about the circumference at anangular interval of 120 degrees. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-1Dand 3A-3D, the filter cradles 152 are empty. In FIGS. 3E-3H, the filtercradles 152 are loaded with filter capsule stacks 250. In FIGS. 1C, 1D,3C, 3D, 3G, and 3H, the holder arm 120 is in the service position. InFIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F, the holder arm 120 is in the indexingposition. In some figures where the holder arm 120 is in the indexingposition, one filter cradle 152 is in the ergonomic loading position andis labeled with reference letter E. Depending on the vantage point inthese various figures, the tilting mechanism 110 and rotor drive 150 maybe seen. In FIGS. 3E-3H, the plumbing connecting the filter capsulestacks 250 may be seen. In some embodiments (as shown) all plumbingterminations are provided on the filter capsules 200 themselves, whichare disposable including the attached plumbing, thereby minimizing anycleaning or sanitization necessary for the filter holder 100 itself. Anindividual plumbing tube may pass through a pinch value to prior toentering and/or exiting the filter capsule stacks 250 to control thefluid flow as needed. As seen in FIG. 3E, typically a pluming entry tubepasses through a pinch value and then connects to the filter stack and aplumbing exit tube passes through a second pinch value after the fluidhas been filtered by the filter stack.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict an exemplary filter holder 100 in various perspectiveviews. In the embodiment shown, the filter holder 100 comprises a rotor150 having five filter cradles 152 disposed in a circular pattern andequally spaced about the circumference at an angular interval of 72degrees. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary rotor 150 that may be employed insuch filter holders 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the filtercradles 152 are empty. In FIGS. 5A-5C, the filter cradles 152 are loadedwith filter capsule stacks 250. In FIG. 5C, the holder arm 120 is in theservice position. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the holder arm 120 is in theindexing position. In the figures where the holder arm 120 is in theindexing position, one filter cradle 152 is in the ergonomic loadingposition and is labeled with reference letter E. Depending on thevantage point in these various figures, the tilting mechanism 110 androtor drive 154 may be seen. In FIGS. 5B and 5C, the plumbing connectingthe filter capsule stacks 250 may be seen.

The base 104 may comprise any form of structure adapted to support theweight of the filter holder 100 above a work surface W. It should beunderstood that the work surface W does not form a part of the filterholder 100, but is merely described to provide appropriate context forthe features of the filter holder 100. The base 104 may compriselockable floor jacks to lock the filter holder 100 into position on thework surface W. It is envisioned that the base 104 could be affixed tothe work surface W.

Although not visible in the view shown some figures, the base 104 maycomprise a pass-through side 105 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1C, 3A, 3D) to allowthe base end 122 of the holder arm 120 to swing through and rest in theservice position as close to the work surface W as possible. Such aconfiguration allows for advantageous loading and operating conditionsfor the filter holder 100. Bases having a pass through side include, butare not limited to, L, U, J, or V shaped bases.

For example, the larger the second distance B can be made, the morefilter capsules 200 may be placed between the tilt axis 112 (FIG. 1B)and the base end 122. At the same time, however, the tilt axis 112 ispreferably positioned at a comfortable height above the work surface W(a first distance A), to allow for easier loading and unloading offilter capsules 200 while the holder arm 120 is in the indexingposition. Because the second distance B is effectively a radius for theswing of the base end 122 of holder arm 120, it is evident that if thesecond distance B were greater than the first distance A, the base end122 would interfere with the work surface W while the holder arm 120 wastilting into the service position. It is thus desirable to fix the firstdistance A at a comfortable level above the work surface W, and thenselect the second distance B to be as close to the first distance A aspossible while preventing interference of the base end 122 with the worksurface W. In order to maximize the second distance B, the pass-throughside 105 of the base 104 allows the holder arm 120 to swing through thebase 104 without interference. Thus, the pass-through side 105 can helpto simultaneously allow (1) ergonomic positioning of the tilt axis 112above the work surface W, and (2) increased capacity of the holder arm120 to hold filter capsules 200.

The tilting mechanism 110, where employed, is typically mounted on thebase 104, as shown in FIG. 1, and functions to tilt the holder arm 120about the tilt axis 112. Because the holder arm 120 can be quite heavywhen loaded with filter capsules 200, particularly when the filtrationmedia is saturated with fluid, the tilting mechanism 110 must be capableof generating substantial torque about the tilt axis 112. This isparticularly so when the center of gravity of the holder arm 120 isoffset from the tilt axis 112 when the holder arm 120 is in the indexingposition. In such a condition, where a load is imbalanced about the tiltaxis 112, there can be a substantial moment of force to be overcome totilt the holder arm 120 upward and into the service position.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, (i) the placement of the tiltaxis 112, and (ii) the length of the holder arm 120 between the base end122 and a distal end 124 can be optimized (e.g., maximizing the swingradius (the second distance B) of the holder arm 120, and furtherallowing for the loading as many filter capsules 200 onto the holder arm120 as practical). Thus, it may result that the center of gravity of theholder arm 120 is substantially offset from the tilt axis 112 when theholder arm 120 is loaded with filter capsules 200.

For example, it may be desirable to effectively fill the space betweenthe base end 122 and a distal end 124 of the holder arm 120 with filtercapsules 200. As viewed in FIGS. 5A and 5B (again, shown with andwithout filter capsules 200), such a loading would likely offset thecenter of gravity to the side of the tilt axis 112. The desirability ofthis offset center of gravity configuration is not intuitive, asconventional design would tend to fix the center of gravity of arotating load as close to the axis of rotation as possible. However, adeparture from this conventional load-balancing approach allows the dualbenefit of easier loading and unloading of the filter holder 100, whileat the same time maximizing filtration capacity and minimizing the totalsystem footprint while in operation.

As can be seen in FIG. 1B, for example, the second distance Bcorresponds to a swing radius of the holder arm 120 as the base end 122swings toward the work surface W. As shown, the base 104 comprises apass-through side 105 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1C and 3D) through which thebase end 122 passes on its way to the service position, as shown inFIGS. 1C and 1D. As can be seen by following the trajectory of the swingradius in FIG. 1B, the base end 122 of the holder arm 120 will clear thework surface W.

The distance between the tilt axis 112 and the distal end 124 (FIG. 3A)of the holder arm 120 may be, though is not necessarily, greater thanthe second distance B, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1B. This isbecause, while the base end 122 must clear the work surface W as itswings down while tilting, the distal end 124 is not so constrained.Therefore, so long as an overhead ceiling does not interfere with thedistal end 124 as it swings into the service position, it may bedesirable to increase the overall length of the holder arm 120 (thedistance between the base end 122 and the distal end 124) to increasethe number of filter capsules 200 that can be simultaneously loaded intothe filter holder 100. Of course, the greater the disparity between theoverall length of the holder arm 120 and the second distance B, and thegreater the number of filter capsules 200 loaded onto the holder arm120, the greater is the potential that the load carried by the holderarm 120 may be grossly imbalanced about the tilt axis 112.

It will be understood, however, that, after a holder arm 120 whose loadis imbalanced about the tilt axis 112 is tilted into the serviceposition, the center of gravity of the holder arm 120 loaded with filtercapsules 200 will come to rest substantially vertically aligned with thetilt axis 112. As used herein, “substantially vertically aligned”includes conditions of near-alignment. For example, a vertical linedrawn through such center of gravity while the holder arm 120 is in theservice position may not exactly intersect with the tilt axis 112, butmay be offset to either side of the tilt axis 112 by up to about 6inches, including about 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, and even 5inches. With such substantial vertical alignment of the center ofgravity and the tilt axis 112, there will be substantially nogravity-induced moment or torque about the tilt axis 112, or suchgravity-induced moment or torque will be minimized.

The conditions described in the preceding paragraphs may be betterunderstood by reference to FIGS. 11-13 depicting a simplified machinehaving an arm in various stages of tilting. As shown, the arm has acenter of gravity (“CG”) that is offset from the axis about which thearm tilts. When the arm is positioned horizontally, as in FIG. 11, thegravity-induced moment is maximized. When the arm is positionedvertically, as in FIG. 13, the gravity-induced moment is minimized Itshould be understood that the location of the “CG” as depicted in FIGS.11-13 is not necessarily representative of the actual location of the“CG” in a holder arm 120 according to the present disclosure, but ratheris placed in the figures to demonstrate the general principle ofreduction of gravity-induced torque about the tilt axis 112 as theholder arm 120 is tilted into the service position. It should also beunderstood that the location of the “CG” in an actual holder arm 120will vary according to the construction of the holder arm 120, thenumber or size of filter capsules 200 loaded onto the holder arm 120,and the presence of residual fluid in the filter capsules 200.

In one embodiment, the tilting mechanism 110 comprises a gear box. Inone embodiment, a tilt shaft 113 at the tilt axis 112 is coupled,through the gear box, to a hand crank operable to tilt the holder arm120 to a service position and an indexing position. It is alsoenvisioned that the tilting mechanism 110 could comprise a motor or behydraulically operated. In some embodiments, it may preferable to avoidthe need for electricity in the tilting mechanism 110, particularlywhere the filter holder 100 may be used in wet conditions or whereworking fluid may drip onto the filter holder 100.

The holder arm 120 according to the present disclosure may be attachedto a tilting mechanism 110 at a tilt axis 112, or it may be fixed to abase 104 in a vertical or horizontal orientation. For reasons discussedthroughout the present disclosure, a tilting configuration can have avariety of advantages over a fixed configuration. Nevertheless, fixedconfigurations according to the present disclosure are an improvementover known filter holders 100.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3H, holder arm 120 comprises a base end 122 and adistal end 124. The rotor comprises 150 comprises opposing wallsconnected by one or more front support bars 126 and one or more rearsupport bars 128. Typically a front and rear support bar is used at eachfilter cradle position. In some embodiments, at least one cradle bar 127and optionally a load-bearing bar 125 disposed parallel to the front andrear support bars 126, 128 may further be employed.

It should be understood that terms such as “front” and “rear” are usedherein only to clarify a relative position of one feature to another,and are not intended to limit the location of such features to anyparticular portion of the filter holder 100, or limit the filter holder100 to any particular orientation. Rather, the labeling of these termssuggests that, when an operator is facing the filter holder 100 while afilter cradle 152 is in the ergonomic loading position, the frontsupport bar 126 will be closer to the operator than the rear support bar128, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1A.

In some embodiments, the at least one cradle bar 127 may provide supportand alignment for a filter capsule 200 to keep the first axis 251 of thefilter capsule stack 251 aligned with the cradle longitudinal axis 121,and at the same time prevent the filter capsule 200 from falling throughthe space between front and rear support bars 126, 128 while the holderarm 120 is in the indexing position. However, in other embodiments,particularly where the holder arm 120 remains fixed in the serviceposition, it may be advantageous to align filter capsules 200 using thefront and rear support bars 126, 128. For example, each filter capsule200 may be configured with one or more alignment wings 203 to slidablyengage one or more of the front and rear support bars 126, 128.Exemplary filter capsules 200 comprising two opposing alignment wings203 are depicted in FIG. 7. An alignment wing 203 may comprise, forexample, a semicircular bore corresponding to the diameter of frontand/or rear support bars 126, 128 into which front and/or rear supportbars 126, 128 can fit. Thus, placement of a filter capsule 200 havingalignment wings 203 onto a holder arm 120, where opposing alignmentwings 203 are fitted against front and rear support bars 126, 128, canassure that the first axis 251 of the filter capsule stack 250 is heldin alignment with the cradle longitudinal axis 121. In such embodiments,one or more cradle bars 127 may still be employed to, for example,provide improved rigidity to the holder arm 120.

Front and rear support bars 126, 128 may each comprise a plurality ofplate positioning grooves 129 distributed along their respectivelengths. In one embodiment, the plate positioning grooves 129 are spacedalong the length of the front and rear support bars 126, 128 atintervals corresponding to the height of different configurations offilter capsule stacks 250 that may be loaded into the holder arm 120.Plate positioning grooves 129 may be clearly seen, for example, in FIG.4.

In some embodiments, holder arm 120 comprises a compression plate 130and a holding plate 140 disposed opposite the compression plate 130. Insome embodiments, a holding plate is not included and the filter capsulestack may simply bear against a wall of the rotor. One or more of thecompression plate 130 or the holding plate 140 may be movable along thelength of the front and rear support bars 126, 128. For example, theholding plate 140 may be fixed upon the holder arm 120, while thecompression plate 130 is movable. Similarly, the compression plate 130may be fixed upon the holder arm 120, while the holding plate 140 ismovable. In other embodiments, both the holding plate 140 and thecompression plate 130 are movable. In such embodiments, the holdingplate 140 is typically movable incrementally to locations correspondingto the locations of plate positioning grooves 129, while the compressionplate 130 is continuously adjustable over a smaller range to provide acompressive force to the filter capsule stack 250 once the holding plate140 has been moved into place. While some embodiments comprise thecompression plate 130 proximate the base end 122 of the holder arm 120,it is also envisioned that the compression plate 130 and the holdingplate 140 may be flipped such that the holding plate 140 is proximatethe distal end 124. In some embodiments, one or more of the holdingplate 140 and the compression plate 130 are slidably connected to thefront and rear support bars 126, 128. Slidable connection of the holdingplate 140 or the compression plate 130 to the front and rear supportbars 126, 128 may be accomplished by, for example, one or more linearbearings. In some embodiments, the compression plate, the holder plate,and/or the wall of the rotor are provided with retaining tabs 161 thatproject from the surface of the plates or wall(s) such that if thecompression plate does not provide a sufficient compressive force or isinadvertently not tightened after loading of the filter capsules 200,the filter capsules are retained in the filter cradles 152 as the rotor150 is rotated while in the indexing position to load additional filtercapsules into another filter cradle position.

A holding plate 140, where included, may further comprise a locking bar142 (FIG. 4) that is co-movable along the front and rear support bars126, 128. The locking bar 142 can lock into a plate positioning groove129 one or both of the front and rear support bars 126, 128, therebypositively locking the holding plate 140 into a pre-set position on theholder arm 120. In one embodiment, the locking bar 142 is rotatable to alocked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, thelocking bar 142 may be simultaneously engaged in plate positioninggrooves 129 on both front and rear support bars 126, 128. It is alsoenvisioned that the holder plate 140 or the compression plate 130 may belockable into one or more plate positioning grooves 129 without theprovision of a separate locking bar 142.

A filter compression adjustment 134 is coupled to the compression plate130. While shown here at the base end 122 of the holder arm 120, thefilter compression adjustment 134 may also be located at the distal end124. Filter compression adjustment 134 adjusts the compression plate 130along the front and rear support bars 126, 128 to apply compressiveforce to a filter capsule stack 250. Such an application of compressionmay be necessary because, for example, fluid to the filtered in thefilter capsule stack 250 may be provided at elevated pressures, and thecompressive contact of the holding plate 140 and the compression plate130 against the ends of the filter capsule stack 254 can help to preventdeformation, separation, or rupture of the filter capsules 200. Thefilter compression adjustment 134 may comprise, for example a turnableacme screw or ball screw fixed at one point to the compression plate 130and threadably coupled at another point to a member that is rigidlyaffixed to the holder arm 120.

In some embodiments, the filter compression adjustment 134 is providedwith a torque limiter 138 to act as a proxy to limit the compressiveforce that can be applied to the filter capsule stack 250. The torquelimiter 138 may be, for example, a friction-based or magnetic slipclutch. Provision of a torque limiter 138 may be advantageous, forexample, when filter capsules 200 having fluid interconnects 208 andfluid seals as described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/111,156to Cashin et al., entitled “Fluid Interconnect” (hereinafter “Cashin”)and U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/111,185 to Marks et al., entitled “FilterElement and Seal Therefor,” (hereinafter “Marks”) both of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. With the provisionof such filter capsules 200, much less compressive force may be requiredto safely operate the filter holder 100, as is described in Cashin onpage 9, line 20 through page 10, line 5 (reproduced below with referenceand figure numbers omitted):

-   -   In some embodiments, the sealing member is located on a vertical        sealing surface. . . . When a vertical sealing surface is used,        the sealing member slides along an opposing sealing surface in a        direction parallel to the first axis during connection of the        fluid interconnect. Consequentially, any slight axial movement        of the sealing member with respect to the opposing sealing        surface during operation of the filtration system does not        result in disruption of the seal. Therefore, forceful axial        compression of the fluid interconnect is not necessary. In        contrast, when a face-seal configuration is employed, i.e.        wherein a seal is created by axial force on a sealing member        against a surface perpendicular to the first axis, care must be        taken to avoid any axial movement. In such a face-seal        configuration, any such axial movement would tend to disrupt or        break the seal, allowing fluid bypass. In such face-seal        configurations, forceful axial compression of the fluid        interconnect may be required. While it is envisioned that a        face-seal could be employed within the scope of the present        disclosure, a sealing member located on a vertical sealing        surface is preferred because it can result in a more forgiving        connection.

Thus, the torque limiter 138 may be set to limit the torque applied bythe filter compression adjustment 134, for example, to about 16 N·m (142lb·in), 15 N·m (133 lb·in), 14 N·m (124 lb·in), 13 N·m (115 lb·in), 12N·m (106 lb·in), 11 N·m (97 lb·in), 10 N·m (89 lb·in), 9 N·m (80 lb·in),8 N·m (71 lb·in), 7 N·m (62 lb·in), 6 N·m (53 lb·in), or even to about 5N·m (44 lb·in). Higher torque limits (or none at all) are envisionedwhere filter capsules 200 using face seals are employed.

Regardless of the type of filter capsule 200 employed, provision of atorque limiter 138 on the filter compression adjustment 134 can providefurther benefit to the operator by saving time and reducing the skillnecessary to set-up a filter holder 100 to operate. For example, ratherthan having to incrementally tighten a filter capsule stack 250 andmonitor compression force (perhaps via a gauge or load cellarrangement), an operator may simply adjust the filter compressionadjustment 134 until the torque limiter 138 activates and furthercompressive force can no longer be applied to the filter capsule stack250. Because this set up is so simple, the operator need not be trainedon determining proper compression or reading gauge outputs.

Turning to FIG. 5A, an operator is depicted standing in front of afilter holder 100 according to the present disclosure. The filter holder100 shown comprises a holder arm 120 tillable to a service position andan indexing position. As depicted, the filter arm 120 is tilted to theindexing position. As can be seen, at least one of the plurality offilter cradles 152 is positioned at a comfortable height (i.e., anergonomic loading position) to allow the operator to load and unloadfilter capsule 200. More particularly, in the embodiment shown, thefirst distance A (FIG. 1B) from the work surface W to the indexing axis151 corresponds roughly to waist height for the operator. Typically, thefirst distance A is in a range from about 28 inches to about 40 inches,including, for example, each one-inch increment within that range.Placement of a filter cradle 152 at such a comfortable height while inthe ergonomic loading position can allow an operator to load and unloadfilter capsules 200 in an ergonomically efficient way, without, forexample, bending down or having to reach over their heads.

As can be seen in several of the figures, the front support bar 126 ispositioned slightly below the indexing axis 151, and also below thecradle longitudinal axis 121. For example, the front support bar 126 maybe positioned in a range from about 1 inch to about 6 inches below thecradle longitudinal axis 121, including one-inch increments within thatrange. This lowered positioning of the front support bar 126 allowsfilter capsules 200, which will be aligned with the cradle longitudinalaxis 121, to be loaded or unloaded from the holder arm 120 with lesslifting—i.e., the lower the front support bar 126 with respect to thecradle longitudinal axis 121, the shorter the distance each filtercapsule 200 must be lifted in order to pass over it.

Moreover, in embodiments where the filter capsule 200 comprises afulcrum lug 230 (FIG. 8), the filter capsule 200 can be rotated towardthe operator until the fulcrum lug 230 contacts against the loweredfront support bar 126. Such is discussed and depicted with regard toFIGS. 3 and 9 of Bryan et al., discussed elsewhere herein. As rotationcontinues, contact between the fulcrum lug 230 and the front support bar126 causes the filter capsule 200 to pivot about the front support bar126, giving the operator a larger lever arm, and therefore increasedmechanical advantage in installing and removing the filter capsule 200from the holder arm 120. Because the holder arm 120 is positionedroughly at waist level, used filter capsules 200 may be convenientlyrolled off of the holder arm 120 directly into a waste receptacle (notshown).

A further advantage of unloading of used filter capsules 200 while theholder arm 120 is in the indexing position is the containment ofresidual fluid in the used filter capsule 200. During operation, theinterior of the filter capsules 200 becomes filled and saturated withfluid. Although efforts are made to minimize the amount of fluidentrained in each filter capsule 200 (i.e., lower hold-up volume; see,e.g., Cashin, page 13, line 22 through page 14, line 2), and further toremove excess fluid after use, some amount of residual fluid typicallyremains after operation. Thus, upon removal of each filter capsule 200from the filter holder 100, there is a risk that residual fluid may leakthrough the exposed fluid ports of the filter capsule 200. As can beseen by comparison of FIGS. 6 and 7, removal of a filter capsule 200while on its side (i.e., while the holder arm 120 is in the indexingposition) as in FIG. 6 is advantageous because residual fluid iscontained within the filter capsule 200. In contrast, the filter capsule200 unloaded in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 7 can leak residualfluid because the exposed fluid port is oriented on the bottom of thefilter capsule 200.

A hand crank (not shown and not required) on the tilting mechanism 110may also be placed at a convenient height for the operator, as are theholding plate 140, the locking bar 142, the compression plate 130 (notvisible), and the filter compression adjustment 134 (not visible).Accordingly, in the embodiment shown, when the holder arm 120 is in theindexing position, all features that must be routinely accessed by theoperator are positioned at a convenient, ergonomic height.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 depict one embodiment of a filter capsule stack 250according to the present disclosure. The filter capsule stack 250depicted in FIG. 9 comprises three filter capsules 200 connected to oneanother by a fluid interconnect 208. While FIG. 9 depicts a fluidinterconnect 208 that can advantageously employ a piston seal asdescribed in Cashin, it is also envisioned that adjacent filter capsules200 may fluidly connect to one another by way of a simple face seal, ora combination of piston seals and face seals. In embodiments where aface seal is employed, compression of the filter capsule stack 250 actsto engage and compress a face sealing member between filter capsules200, thereby fluidly sealing each filter capsule 200 to an adjacentfilter capsule 200.

Each filter capsule 200 can comprise one or more filter elements 202(FIG. 10) disposed therein. In some embodiments, each filter capsule 200comprises a different type of filter element 202. For example, eachfilter capsule 200 may comprise a filter element 202 for one of, forexample, depth filtration, scale reduction, antimicrobial treatment,antiviral treatment, flavor enhancement, or others. Such filter elements202 may be used alone or in combination with other filter elements 202.In this way, the filter capsule stack 250 may be customized to provideapplication-specific filtration.

In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a plurality offilter capsule stacks 250 having either (i) both a feed fluid ingress210 and a filtrate egress 214 located on a single end of the filtercapsule stack 250, or (ii) a feed fluid ingress 210 on one end and afiltrate egress 214 on the opposing end. Locating a feed fluid ingress210 and a filtrate egress 214 located on a single end allows associatedplumbing to be located in a single area, rather than being separated bythe length of the filter capsule stack 250. The result can be a morecompact assembly. In some embodiments, a filter capsule stack 250 maycomprise one or more manifold members 280, as depicted in FIG. 10. Asshown in FIG. 10, “D” depicts a flow of dirty, or unfiltered, fluid intothe feed fluid ingress 210, and “C” depicts a flow of clean, orfiltered, fluid from the filtrate egress 214. The purpose of themanifold member 280, when employed, is to direct fluid flow at aterminal end of the filter capsule stack 250. The manifold member 280can operate as a dead-end for filtrate, allowing the filtrate to reversedirection and travel back toward the filtrate egress 214 to exit thefilter capsule stack 250. The manifold member 280 may also provide bothfluid ingress 210 and filtrate egress 214 on a single end of the filtercapsule stack 250. The manifold member 280 may, more simply, provideonly feed fluid ingress 210 or only filtrate egress 214. Combinations ofthese embodiments are also envisioned. For example, flow configurationas described above may be utilized to achieve series or parallelfiltration—e.g., one filter capsule 200 either in series or in parallelwith an adjacent filter capsule 200. Such flow configurations may alsobe combined in a single filter capsule stack 250 so that certain filtercapsules 200 are operated in parallel, while others are operated inseries. The manifold member 280 may be constructed of, for example,polycarbonate or polypropylene.

As shown, FIG. 10 depicts a filter capsule stack 250 arranged such thatdirty fluid “D” flows in through the top of the filter capsule stack 250and clean fluid “C” flows out through the bottom. However, it should beunderstood that such inlet and outlet flow may be configured in multipleways. For example, in one embodiment, both feed fluid ingress 210 andfiltrate egress 214 occur within a single manifold member 280 positionedat the bottom of the filter capsule stack 250, while only venting ofexcess gas occurs through a manifold member 280 positioned at the top ofthe filter capsule stack 250.

The filter capsule stack 250 is typically positioned in a holder arm 120of a filter holder 100 during operation, as shown, for example, in FIG.5C. A holder arm 120 comprising a compression plate 130 and an opposingholder plate 140 may be required, for example, to hold the end walls ofthe outer-most located filter capsules 200 in a filter capsule stack250. Because such outer-most located end walls are not supported againstan adjacent filter capsule 200, contact with the compression plate 130or the holder plate 140 can help to prevent wall flexure under internalfluid pressure. The filter holder 100 can apply force, along thedirection of a first axis 251 of the filter capsule stack 250 (typicallyaligned with the cradle longitudinal axis 121), to the compression plate130 and the holder plate 140.

Typically, the compression plate 130 and the holder plate 140 bearagainst a filter capsule 200 at one or the other end of the filtercapsule stack 250. Typically, each filter capsule 200 in the filtercapsule stack 250 contacts an adjacent filter capsule 200 at a bearingpoint, thus providing a known, rigid datum upon which to apply force. Insome embodiments, the filter holder 100 may further provide apparatusfor feed fluid ingress 210 and filtrate egress 214. In some embodiments,parts of the filter holder 100 may be constructed of, for example,stainless steel.

In a method of use, filter holders 100 according to the presentdisclosure are typically loaded with one or more filter capsules 200,optionally including one or more manifold members 280, to form a filtercapsule stack 250 on each filter cradle 152 on the holder arm 120. Eachfilter capsule stack 250 is compressed between a holding plate 140 and acompression plate 130. Loading of filter capsules 200 onto each filtercradle 152 may be undertaken while the respective filter cradle 152 isin the ergonomic loading position. The filter holder 100 is thenoperated as a filtration system in the service position.

In some embodiments, loading a filter capsule 200 onto a filter cradle152 comprises fitting an alignment wing 203 of a filter capsule 200against one of the front or rear support bars 126, 128 to align thefirst axis 251 of the filter capsule stack 250 with the cradlelongitudinal axis 121.

In embodiments where the filter holder 100 comprises a holder arm 120attached to a tilting mechanism 110 at a tilt axis 112, the holder arm120 is typically tilted to an indexing position and each filter cradle152 loaded with one or more filter capsules 200, optionally includingone or more manifold members 280, to form a filter capsule stack 250 onthe filter cradle 152. The holder arm 120 is then tilted to a serviceposition where the filter holder 100 may be operated as a filtrationsystem.

Typically, operating the filter holder 100 as a filtration systemcomprises one or more of charging the filter capsule stacks 250 with afluid, purging the filter capsule stacks 250 of excess gas, filteringthe fluid through a filter capsule 200, and discharging residual fluidfrom the filter capsule stacks 250.

In some embodiments, the holder arm 120 may be tilted by way of anoperator turning a hand crank 114 coupled through a gear box to a tiltshaft 113 at a tilt axis 112. In other embodiments, the tiltingmechanism 110 is motorized. In some embodiments, tilting (and otherfunctions) is controlled through a human-machine interface, which may ormay not be provided remotely, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C.

The method of operating the filter holder 100 may further comprise eachfilter capsule stack 250 being compressed between a holding plate 140and a compression plate 130. In some embodiments, each holding plate 140is locked in place to prevent it from sliding. In one embodiment,locking is accomplished by a locking bar 142 that engages with a platepositioning groove 129 on one or more of the front and rear support bars126, 128 of each filter cradle 152.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting thecompression of each filter capsule stack 250 between the holding plate140 and the compression plate 130. In some embodiments, this is done byan operator adjusting a filter compression adjustment 134. In oneembodiment, the operator adjusts the filter compression adjustment 134by increasing the compression of the filter capsule stack 250 until atorque limiter 138 activates to limit further compression. As describedabove, depending on the type and quantity of filter capsules 200 used inthe filter capsule stack 250, the torque limit of the torque limiter 138may be set to any appropriate torque, including an advantageous lowertorque limit when filter capsules 200 according to Cashin are employed.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises tilting the holder arm120 from the service position back to the indexing position. Typically,tilting the holder arm 120 from the service position to the indexingposition is done by reversing the steps described above for tilting theholder arm 120 into the service position.

The method may further comprise unloading a filter capsule stack 250from a filter cradle 152. When filter capsules 200 according to Cashinare employed, each filter capsule 200 is disengaged from an adjacentfilter capsule 200 by holding the adjacent filter capsule 200 whilerotating the filter capsule 200 to be removed toward the operator. Inperforming this step, very little lateral motion is required of theoperator. Rather, the operator need only rotate the filter capsule 200toward the operator's body and gently lift the filter capsule 200 out ofthe filter cradle 152.

In some embodiments, unloading a filter capsule stack 250 from theholder arm 120 comprises rotating a filter capsule 200 over a frontsupport bar 126. Where a fulcrum lug 230 is further provided on thefilter capsule 200, rotating the filter capsule 200 over a front supportbar 126 may comprise engaging the fulcrum lug 230 against the frontsupport bar 126 and rotating the filter capsule 200 about the fulcrumlug 230 to roll the filter capsule 200 over the front support bar 126.

Where the filter capsule 200 further comprises a handle 204, the handle204 may be grasped by the operator to assist in rotating the filtercapsule 200 toward the operator, and also in holding the adjacent filtercapsule 200 to prevent it from rotating while disengaging one filtercapsule 200 from another. Handles 204 are clearly shown, for example, inFIGS. 8 and 9. Similarly the method may include grasping the handle 204of a filter capsule 200 to lift the filter capsule 200 onto or off ofthe filter cradle 152.

In one embodiment, the method includes tilting the holder arm 120 from aposition where the center of gravity of the holder arm 120 is verticallymisaligned from the tilt axis 112 into a position where the center ofgravity of the holder arm 120 is substantially vertically aligned withthe tilt axis 112.

Various modifications and alterations of the invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. It should be understood that the invention is notlimited to illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

1. A filter holder comprising: a base for supporting the filter holderon a work surface; a holder arm attached to the base, the holder armcomprising: a base end; and an indexing axis passing through the baseend; a rotor rotatably connected to the base end and comprising aplurality of filter cradles each arranged generally parallel to theindexing axis and affixed to the rotor such that, when the holder arm isin the indexing position, the rotor is rotatable about the indexing axisto move a selected filter cradle into a loading position.
 2. The filterholder of claim 1 wherein the plurality of filter cradles are arrangedin a generally circular pattern about the indexing axis.
 3. The filterholder of claim 2 wherein the plurality of filter cradles comprises oneof two, three, four, five, or six filter cradles spaced equidistantlyabout the indexing axis.
 4. The filter holder of claim 1 wherein theloading position is an ergonomic loading position.
 5. The filter holderof claim 4 wherein the holder arm is attached to the base by a tiltingmechanism at a tilt axis, the holder arm being tiltable about the tiltaxis to a service position and an indexing position.
 6. The filterholder of claim 5 wherein the tilt axis is orthogonal to the indexingaxis.
 7. The filter holder of claim 5 wherein the rotor is alsorotatable about the indexing axis when the holder arm is in the serviceposition.
 8. The filter holder of claim 1 wherein at least one of theplurality of filter cradles comprises: a compression plate proximate thebase end; and a holding plate opposite the compression plate.
 9. Thefilter holder of claim 8 wherein the compression plate is continuouslyadjustable by a filter compression adjustment.
 10. The filter holder ofclaim 9 wherein the filter compression adjustment comprises a torquelimiter having a torque limit less than about 12 N·m.
 11. The filterholder of claim 8 wherein at least one of the plurality of filtercradles comprises a front support bar and a rear support bar, theholding plate being slidably connected to the front support bar and therear support bar.
 12. The filter holder of claim 11 wherein thecompression plate is slidably connected to the front support bar and therear support bar.
 13. The filter holder of claim 12 wherein the frontsupport bar and the rear support bar each comprise a plurality of platepositioning grooves.
 14. The filter holder of claim 11 wherein theloading position is an ergonomic loading position and the holder arm isattached to the base by a tilting mechanism at a tilt axis, the holderarm being tiltable about the tilt axis to a service position and anindexing position; wherein, when a filter cradle is in the ergonomicloading position, the front support bar of such filter cradle ispositioned below the tilt axis, and the rear support bar for such filtercradle is positioned at or above the tilt axis.
 15. The filter holder ofclaim 5 wherein when the holder arm is in the service position, theplurality of filter cradles are oriented orthogonal to the work surface,and when the holder arm is in the indexing position, the plurality offilter cradles are oriented parallel to the work surface.
 16. The filterholder of claim 4 wherein a filter cradle that is in the in theergonomic loading position is located a first distance from the worksurface, the first distance being in a range from about 28 inches toabout 40 inches.
 17. The filter holder of claim 1 wherein the holder armfurther comprises a distal end opposite the base end; wherein theindexing axis passes through the base end and the distal end and therotor is positioned between the base end and the distal end androtatably connected to both the base end and the distal end.
 18. Afilter system comprising the filter holder of claim 1 and a filtercapsule stack loaded onto at least one of the plurality of filtercradles.
 19. A method of operating a filter holder comprising: tilting aholder arm to an indexing position position, the holder arm comprising arotor rotatable about an indexing axis; rotating the rotor about theindexing axis to move one of a plurality of filter cradles affixed tothe rotor into an ergonomic loading position; loading a filter capsulestack onto the filter cradle that has been moved into the ergonomicloading position; and tilting the holder arm about a tilt axis to aservice position.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein, when in theservice position, the holder arm is in a vertical orientation, and whenin the indexing position, the holder arm is in a horizontal orientation.21. The method of claim 20 wherein loading the filter capsule stack ontothe filter cradle comprises compressing the filter capsule stack betweena compression plate and a holding plate.
 22. The method of claim 21further comprising locking the holding plate to prevent it from sliding.23. The method of claim 22 further comprising adjusting the compressionof the filter capsule stack between the compression plate and theholding plate.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the compression of thefilter capsule stack is adjusted by a filter compression adjustmentcomprising a torque limiter, wherein the torque limit is less than about12 N·m.
 25. The method of claim 19 further comprising: tilting theholder arm from the service position back to the indexing position; andunloading the filter capsule stack from the filter cradle.
 26. Themethod of claim 25 wherein unloading the filter capsule stack from thefilter cradle comprises rotating a filter capsule over a front supportbar.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein rotating the filter capsule overa front support bar comprises: engaging a fulcrum lug on the filtercapsule against the front support bar; and rotating the filter capsuleabout the fulcrum lug to roll the filter capsule over the front supportbar.